French Polynesian Hideouts

With its black-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic peaks, beautiful Tahiti is one of the most dreamed about destinations in the world. But there’s more to French Polynesia than just the Island of Love. Here are five islands—just a short ferry ride of flight away—that might be even more stunning than Tahiti. If that’s even possible.

Photo: DANIEL JULIE from Paris, France [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia CommonsHuahine: See vanilla plantations and banana groves, sacred temples and maraes, isolated coves and shady lagoons, and more crabs than people on the Garden Island.

Photo: ww.ericpinel.com for Opoa Beach Hotel

Ra’iātea: Relax at a boutique hotel, stare at a lagoon from your bungalow, listen to crashing waves from a swaying hammock, and eat addictive viennoiseries and vanilla yogurt for breakfast on the Sacred Island.

Photo: Eric PINEL Photography for Vahine Island Resort

Taha’a: Escape to an unspoiled island, sleep in a beach faré, swim over coral gardens, and kayak to an empty motu on Taha’a.

Photo: rachel_thecat [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia CommonsBora Bora: Sleep in an overwater bungalow, stare at colorful fish through a glass coffee table, snorkel with curious rays, sip Ti’ Punch at a beach bar, and feel like a honeymooner on an island that’s been on your wish list for years.